H+K Strategies And Buchanan Join Forces In Middle East

DUBAI—WPP PR firms H+K Strategies and Buchanan have joined forces to launch a corporate and financial comms consultancy that focuses on the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

H+K Financial will feature 60 staffers drawn from the two firms, using H+K's existing network to operate in 15 locations across the region. Slightly more than half of the headcount comes from Buchanan, with the two firms having already managed numerous shared assignments over the past couple of years.

"It makes sense to formalize an agreement to establish the pre-eminent financial communications firm in the region to tap into the growing need for specialist advisory and investor relations services," said H+K Strategies Middle East and Africa CEO Sconaid McGeachin.

H+K Financial will aim to address demand for financial communications and investor relations services in MEA as companies seek to raise their profiles and gain access to international capital markets, while upgrading their corporate governance. The firm will also provide international investors access to growth opportunities in the region.

"This is an exciting time for capital markets across the MEA region with developments such as the opening of the Tadawul, the Saudi Stock Exchange, to qualified foreign investors, and the emergence of successful family owned conglomerates seeking a better profile on international capital markets," said Buchanan senior partner Bobby Morse.

"With the positive regulatory changes in MEA markets, and the increasing demand from the global investment community to invest in quality growth opportunities, this partnership with H+K provides not only a comprehensive network, but also a heritage of excellence built over 30 years throughout the region to deliver best in class corporate reputation, investor relations and financial communications to MEA companies."